Opinions please...ecv in August

[Belle1962]

I am planning a solo trip to WDW in August (got the $20 rate at the Marriott in DD--couldn't pass it up). Anyways, the last two times we went to WDW, by the end of the week--even taking it slow, my DH was pushing me in a standard wheelchair. (Yes, I am STILL recovering from that accident in 1999)

My plan for this trip is "Shows and Shopping". I can get along without a chair for shopping because I can take lots of breaks and sit down whenever needed. Plus I either ship stuff home or take it to the car (no hauling packages around).

My main concern is EPCOT. I planned on just taking my time and wandering from country to country to catch all of the different acts. DH just reminded that most of the acts are outside and I will need to stand through them (on top of the walking) or get down to the ground to sit . He thinks I should get an ecv for the days I will be at EPCOT.

Having never driven an ecv I'm a bit nervous about WDW in SUMMER with lots of people. Am I crazy? Are they hard for a novice to learn to operate? Can I bring my own horn to give people the hint to get out of my way? (DS has offerred to get me a bumper sticker with STUDENT DRIVER on it).

 

[SueM in MN]

Epcot is probably the park where you need to go the longest distances. It is also the most open, so driving an ecv there would probably be easier than in the other parks. So I think it makes a lot of sense to rent one there evenif you don't use one at the other parks.
teri is on vacation, so she hasn't been on the boards much, but if you find one of her posts, she has some links to FAQs about ecvs.
One of the suggestions that people have said worked well is to try one out ahead of time at a store, like Target or a grocery store that provides them for their customers. They are there for people with mobility problems to use and if you are thinking of using one at WDW, you obviously have some mobility problem, so don't worry about using it at the store. Those are a little harder to drive (from what I have heard) than the ones you can rent from WDW or one of the outside companies, but it will give you a little experience and confidence.
hopefully, some of the readers with actual experience will post here too. That's much better than my second hand view.

 

[Wheelsie]

Just wanted to lend my support to you *hug

 

[Belle1962]

I have used the ones at the grocery store. Right after the accident DH & DS went to the grocery store. After a few trips by them I decided I needed to go nd at least direct the action. (LOL) So I'm not a total total novie but it's been awhile.

Thanks for the input.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

First time I used an ECV was at Epcot. The Disney ones have a slow maximum speed. They are very easy to use (I think). There is a small lever you push, the further in you push it the faster you go, like a gas pedal. If you release it part way you will slow down fairly quickly; if you release it all the way you will stop.

Make sure that you get to Epcot shortly after opening, as they might run out of them. There is a horn button on the control panel, but it is more like a buzzer and not extremely loud.

You will not get the crowdedness at Epcot that you get at the other parks, except people might crowd around when you are watching some of the shows. There could be problems with rude people who might want to gt in front of you. Note there are special viewing areas, at least for IllumiNations, for people in wheelchairs or ECVs. I have not particularly noticed for others, but I think that in some instances if you are having a problem the performers or other nearby CMs might assist you.

 

[nancycels]

i have two items i take w/me, one is horn with a bulb on it that makes plenty of noise(feel like one of the Marx brothers!)(seem to always end up w/an ecv w/a horn that is dying or w/o one that is operational! also for night riding I get one of those star wars like lit swords! I use twist ties to attach it to the basket on my ecv at night. Between the two I manage much better than I ever have before! I don't use the horn unless really necessary, but the light sword is a real bonus! we also travel w/a light wt flashlight. It calls attention to us at times we really need it!

 

[Tiiiigergirl]

I have found that when driving in a crowded areas the trick is to not stop completely. I try to drive very VERY slowly but still be moving. I also keep my husband in front of me and keep talking to him. Often people are aware we are carrying on a conversation and will not walk between us and cut me off. He is of course experienced in keeping appropriate distances and allowing me enough time to stop.

 

[melomouse]

Hi and no, not nuts, unless we're nuts together. We, too, are in WDW 8/15-22, 4 days POFQ and 3 w/ the same CY deal as you. Hubby has FINALLY this trip agreed to get an ECV because of his mobility problems and exhaustion. Slow & stopping is our plan, too, even w/ 2 kids. I have an ECV rented for a week from home for $100, Delta will check gate-check it. like they do strollers. I didn't want to chance WDW not having one available (at $30/dy, no less). offsite rental $150-$200 weekly.
People can be rude sometimes, but I can handle them and it's better than him being wiped out after 10 minutes and likely falling or being knocked down by crowds.
Good luck to you - and me!!! And enjoy!!!
21/2 more weeks!!melomouse